The Mizoram Journalist Association, or MJA, the state’s apex body for media professionals, concluded its general conference in Aizawl this Friday. The event was marked not only by the election of a fresh executive body for the 2026–2028 term but also by a strong call to action for journalists to prioritize deep-dive investigative reporting over passive news gathering. Gathered at the I&PR auditorium, the state’s journalism fraternity hosted Finance Secretary Ramchuana as the chief guest. Addressing the assembly, Ramchuana highlighted the shifting landscape of information in an era dominated by digital misinformation. He emphasized that the credibility of Mizoram’s press now rests more than ever on the diligence and proactivity of its reporters.
“In an age where information can be verified with a simple phone call or visit, journalists must be willing to step out and find the facts,” the finance secretary stated. He urged the media to be proactive, rather than hesitant, ensuring that the public has access to the “reliable truth.”
The conference also delved into the evolving ethics of the profession. Ramchuana advised a careful balance between the public’s right to know and the right to personal privacy. However, he cautioned against the suppression of significant public-interest information simply to avoid offending influential figures.
Addressing the decline in traditional newspaper readership due to social media and television, the secretary argued that quality written content remains an indispensable commodity. He noted that while WhatsApp provides headlines, it is the expert essays and deep-dive articles that provide real value to a publication.
In the administrative session that followed, the association held its elections. Vanlalrema Vantawl, the editor of the prominent Sunday paper and online portal Zalen, was elected as the MJA President for the 2026–2028 term. He will lead the new executive body in navigating the challenges of the digital shift while maintaining the standards of the state’s fourth estate. The conference concluded with a business session focused on the internal administration of the MJA, setting a clear roadmap for the organization as it moves into a new leadership cycle.
